Continued, page 2

Living Our Lives with Courage and Compassion

May 7: 10:00 am Worship Svc*

May 14: 10:00 am Worship Svc

Honoring

“Grandma Shirley”*

May 21: 10:00 am Worship Svc”

May 28: 10:00 am Worship Svc*

Memorial Day

*Sunday School and Child Care

See page 6 for a listing of

special memorial services to

celebrate the lives of four women

associated with our church.

May 2017

The First Congregational Church of Washington UCC, Connecticut

The Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea JournalThe Judea Journal

Announcements, Misc 6

Annual Meeting 3

Birthdays 6

Calendar 7

Christian Education 5

Council’s Corner 3

From the Pastor 1

Green Fair News 11

Memorials 9

Missions & Outreach 4

Sunday Morning Support 8

Upcoming Events 6

Youth Programs 5

Environmental Info 10

Judea Journal Survey 12

In this issue:

By the Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor

May

Pew Memorial

Plaques

Page 9

Christian Education

News

Page 2

Calendar,

Upcoming Events

and Birthdays on

Pages 6-7

Memorial Svcs/

Celebrations of

Life

Page 6

“Jesus said to him, “Go; your

faith has made you well.”

Immediately he regained his sight

and followed him on the way.”

- Mark 10.52

Jesus first followers, who had

traveled with him, referred to what

he had taught them as “The Way.”

Before it was ever known as

Christianity, it was called “The

Way.” It wasn’t a system of belief. It

was a way of life – a way to live our

lives with courage and compassion –

sharing God’s gifts with the poor and

the powerless, the outsiders and

refugees among us. It was a way of

unconditional love, of radical

hospitality and extravagant

welcome. It was a way to resist

political and religious oppression

non-violently.

The disciples who were with

him when he died returned to

Jerusalem and started what we

Dear First Church:

As Vice President of the Washington Environmental Council (WEC)

and a longtime member of this church, I am writing to request that the

congregation considers participating in some upcoming Environmental

events and joining the "I Choose to Reuse Campaign"

(www.ecocycle.org/take-action/ichoosetoreuse).

First, on Saturday, April 29th, there will be a Sister March for the

People's Climate March (https://actionnetwork.org/events/peoples-climate-

march-new-milford-ct?referrer=sierra-club&source=org-signup) on the

New Milford Green from 12 to 2. Please come to hear people speak about

local, national and world Environmental issues and to stand up for our

water, air, animals, people and planet!

A few years ago, we were fortunate to hear the Reverend Sally

Bingham preach from our pulpit about the spiritual component for the

Continued on page 10

(Continued from page 1) From the Pastor (continued from page 1)

Page 2 The Judea Journal

would call a “mission.” They

lived communally, pooling all

their resources to care for the

poor, feed the hungry, heal the

sick, and embrace the

untouchables. As Jesus had

done, they ate with sinners and

tax collectors. They welcomed

the poor, the crippled and the

lame as well women among their

number. Every day, they prayed

and preached and taught at the

temple. And what they taught

was a God of unconditional love

and forgiveness, and they tried

to live their lives as Jesus had

lived his.

Jesus expanded the

commandment to love your

neighbor to include the stranger

on the street – in a word:

“everyone” is my neighbor. He

taught his followers not to judge

or condemn others and to make

forgiveness and generosity a way

of life.

“The Way” of Jesus is counter

-cultural – particularly in this

time of world-wide fear of the

stranger. Homosexuals are

being rounded up and executed

in Chechnya. Racism and

Islamophobia are rampant in the

United States. The Statue of

Liberty’s torch seems to be

flickering out as the national

attitude toward immigration

turns to one of fear and

exclusion. One of Jesus’ often

repeated exhortations is: “Do not

fear.” As his followers we are

called to overcome fear with

compassion and to respond to

injustice with non-violent

resistance.

I am excited about what is

going on in our congregation

these days. At our annual

meeting in June, we will be

voting on the new proposed Open

and Affirming Statement that

puts into words the

unconditional extravagant

welcome that our congregation

already lives. Head Deacon,

Wayne Hileman, is incorporating

the feedback he has received

since the quarterly meeting and

is tweaking the language slightly

in preparation for the meeting.

On Wednesday evenings we

have been learning a language of

nonviolence. The Compassionate

Communication class that began

in Lent, has grown every week.

We are now over 20 people and

will be continuing as a monthly

practice group, because we

discovered that compassionate

communication is a foreign

language in our culture and we

have only just begun to learn the

vocabulary and grammar. The

group will continue to be open to

newcomers and our next meeting

is May 10, 6:30-8:30pm. If you

would like to join in a pot-luck

supper, come at 5:30. You can

find more information, class

handouts, and links to videos on

the church website at:

I am writing this on Earth Day,

2017, excited that members of

our church are participating in

the climate marches in

Washington, DC and New

Milford, CT on April 29. In

Jesus’ day, humans were largely

at the mercy of the natural

environment and stewardship of

the earth amounted to caring for

olive orchards and barley fields

and sheep. Now the natural

environment and all the birds of

the air, the fish of the sea, and

all that creeps upon the ground

are at the mercy of human

activity, shrinking habitat, and

pollution. Terri Tibbatts is

working on gathering a task-

force to “green” our church. If

you would like to be part of that

effort, you can let Terri or the

church office know.

I will be away on vacation

most of May, but I hope to see

you on Mothers’ Day when we

honor Shirley Downs.

Blessings of Grace and

Peace to all.

Pastor.cheryl@firstchurchwashingtonct.org

"I feel so sentenced by your words,

I feel so judged and sent away,

Before I go I’ve got to know

Is that what you mean to say?

Before I rise to my defense,

Before I speak in hurt or fear,

Before I build that wall of words,

Tell me, did I really hear?

Words are windows, or they’re

walls,

They sentence us, or set us free.

When I speak and when I hear,

Let the love light shine through

me.

There are things I need to say,

Things that mean so much to me,

If my words don’t make me clear,

Will you help me to be free?

If I seemed to put you down,

If you felt I didn’t care,

Try to listen through my words

To the feelings that we share.

http://www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org/page

/nonviolent_communication_course

Words are Windows (or They’re Walls) by Ruth Bebermeyer

The Council’s Corner

Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor

Carrie Loyd, Director of Christian Education

Jessie Ofgang, Principal Musician

Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant

Al Trowbridge, Sexton

Ministers: All the Members

Page 3 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May 2017

Pastor Cheryl works Sundays through Thursdays. Daily

schedule varies based on congregational needs.

It is best to call for an appointment.

Church Office Hours

Karen - Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 pm—5:30 pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am—1:30 pm

Susan J - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 1 —5:30 pm

(860) 868-0569 or admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org

Council Members

Cheryl P. Anderson, Pastor 860-868-0569, ext 11

Trish Grinnell, Moderator, 860-799-0190

Tony Vengrove, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship,

860-799-0054

Susan Jahnke, Treasurer, 860-868-7785

Henrietta Small and Peter Armstrong, Co-Clerks,

860-868-7672

Millie Johnson, Christian Education, 860-354-0569

Wayne Hileman, Deacons, 860-868-7235

Steve Wadelton, Finance, 860-868-9822

Lee Parsons, Trustee, 860-946-7798

John Turner and Annie Baur, Missions,

(JT) 860-868-0868; (AB) 860-799-6308

Michelle Gorra, Music & Drama, 860-868-7852

Call to ANNUAL Congregational Meeting — June 25

Sunday, June 25th at 11:00 AM, in Wersebe Hall, immediately following the Worship Service.

Agenda:

• Approval of minutes from April 2nd Quarterly Meeting

• Committee Reports from all Chairs and Committees

• Discussion and vote on the proposed Open and Affirming statement

• Vote on the 2017 Nominating Committee Proposal

• New Business

See you there! Peter Armstrong and Henrietta Small, CoPeter Armstrong and Henrietta Small, CoPeter Armstrong and Henrietta Small, CoPeter Armstrong and Henrietta Small, Co----clerksclerksclerksclerks

CTUCC Annual Meeting - Fri/Sat, June 16-17

Be a voting delegate for us!

• Worship and share communion with your New England neighbors

• Explore the future of our church with UCC General Minister & President John

Dorhauer

Discern whether to endorse a new conference and move forward: Together, As One

Details at:

http://www.ctucc.org/eventdetail/6345699

Page 4 The Judea Journal

Mission Minded... Annie Baur (860-799-6308) or John Turner (860-868-0868), Missions Co-

FOOD BANK

The last few months, we have been focusing on reaching our goal to meet last year’s record

total donations from this church of 2,000 lbs. So far this year, we have donated a total of

1,362#. Our fiscal year ends June 30 and thus our deadline for meeting this goal is that.

The Food Bank provides a hand-up for people like this, actual stories about real people trying

to make ends meet:

One family includes a working couple with four school-aged kids. He is in the trades and makes

decent money when working, but gets laid off every winter and loses days to inclement weather throughout

the year. Wife works for a "big box" store making minimum wage. When their wages are good, the SNAP

(food stamp) program cuts benefits. This family needs help from the Food Bank to feed these growing

kids. Mom has said, "I don't mind cutting back to one meal a day, but I sure won't do that to my kids."

Let’s keep remembering to put the Food Bank on our shopping lists! All it will take is a few cans per

family per week!

ONE GREAT HOUR of SHARING - “YOU ARE HERE”

One Great Hour of Sharing enables the United Church of Christ to reach people and

communities affected by disaster, displacement or poverty. Through One Great Hour of

Sharing, we provide assistance to families and communities around the world, helping them

to become stronger, healthier and better equipped to address hardships and catastrophes.

The 2017 theme for the offering is “You are here” which could easily be the response to a question

provoked by tragedy, fear or suffering: “Where are you, God?” Psalm 145:18 echoes the refrain

throughout scripture that God is nearby. As soon as a person calls on God, God is here. You are here

shows the church uniting to respond to the many critical needs present in our world today. Our support

is given through partner organizations responding to health, education and agricultural development

needs, refugee initiatives, and both international and domestic disaster response.

When we give, as the United Church of Christ—individuals, groups and congregations—it means

that the church can stand strong, in the midst of need whether it is nearby or far away. When God’s love

abides in us, we are moved to respond with our own material goods to the needs of other members of

God’s family.

Thank you for your support, whether you are a new supporter, or long-time supporter, every gift

matters. Every gift allows us to say, “You are here.” We will be accepting One Great Hour of Sharing

offerings during our worship service this Sunday, April 30 and throughout the month of May.

Contributions will also be welcomed by mail to the church office, or online by following the “DONATE”

button on our website home page at www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org.

OPERATION FUEL

Operation Fuel is a private charitable program providing cash assistance up to

a maximum of $500 for heating and non-heating expenses for households in

Connecticut with incomes at or below 60% of the State Median Income

guidelines. Local fuel banks assess client eligibility and make payments to

vendors.

Operation Fuel was founded in 1977. Over the past 40 years they have awarded energy

assistance grants totaling $45, 814,510 to 148,777 households, connecting 106 fuel banks throughout the

state.

We encourage you to support Operation Fuel personally through the Add-a-Dollar program with

your utility company. You may donate by adding the amount to your utility bill, both paper bills and

electronically. 100 percent of funds raised in this way are used for energy assistance grants.

Through our annual Missions budget our Church contributes $1000 per year to their

important work.

Page 5

Christian Education/Faith Formation: “Keeping Sabbath” and “Experiencing Beauty”

BREAKING NEWS!!

Millie Johnson has accepted the position of Christian Education Chair on the Church Council.

Millie’s responsibilities will include the coordination the activities of the Christian Education Team, and

serving as an advocate for Christian Education programs on the Church Council and among the

Congregation. She will attend and report monthly to the Church Council on these activities as well as

submit and manage the CE budget for the year.

This is very exciting news, indeed! We now have a very active and solid Christian Education Team

that includes Millie, Carrie Loyd and Emelie Samuelson. This team should also include an Adult

Programs leader. If you are interested in joining this team, please contact Millie at (860) 354-0569.

Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May 2017

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Throughout May, we will be learning about Sabbath. We will discover what Sabbath is, why it is

important and how we can honor Sabbath as a church and as individuals. As always, we will use Bible

stories, games, crafts and activities to learn in hands on and interactive ways. Throughout the month,

we will also be learning more about the elements of worship that make up our Church's worship

service . We will learn about Communion, The Lord's Prayer, Prayers of the People, and Gathering of

Gifts. We will discover more about each as well as why each of these is an important piece of our

weekly worship. May will be a month of learning more about our Church and each other while having

lots of fun!

Questions about Sunday School? Contact Carrie Loyd (DCE@firstchurchwashingtonct.org),

or (860) 619-0450

YOUTH GROUP

SAVE THE DATE FOR CHURCH PROM!!!

In the Youth Group's efforts to raise money for the Animal Welfare

Society of New Milford, they will be throwing Prom for the entire

congregation on Saturday, June 3rd at 7pm (with an optional dinner at 6pm).

Yes, that's right: Prom. Complete with fancy attire, dancing, a Prom King and Queen, and photos! And

you're all invited!! Tickets will be $10 and we highly encourage prom-posals (with photographic or video

evidence!) ahead of time to spur on the excitement!

ANIMAL ADOPTION EVENT ON THE GREEN!

Youth Sunday is June 4th at 10am and immediately following service, there will be an animal adoption

event right on the green. All of this is to celebrate the hard work that the kids have done to raise money for

the Animal Welfare Society of New Milford, so please spread the word, invite your friends, and let's get

some animals to their forever homes!!

This Month’s Meeting is on Sunday, May 21, from 5-7 pm.

The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are welcome! Our

regular meetings are on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every meeting

involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and much more. If

you have any questions, please contact Emelie Samuelson (203-405-6710), samuelson.emelie@gmail.com or

Mike Burl via email at burlmc01@gmail.com .

Page 6 The Judea Journal

11 …Carolyn Bensley Muszala

16 ....... Riley Brady

26 ....... John Geoghan

28 ....... Hailey Lovallo

May Birthdays May Birthdays

Upcoming Events

Please let us know if we missed anyone

so that we may update our database!!

Contact Karen at (860) 868-0569.

2 ......... Fran Whitehead

6 ......... Scott Tilden

6 ......... Eva Millay Evans

9 ......... Annabel Urquhart

10 ....... Alexa Lewis

Very much here and active in our church, please help us celebrate Shirley Downs and the

years of dedication she has had to the children of this church and community at the

Worship Service on Mother’s Day May 14th.

Shirley has contributed greatly to this church and the care of our children for years as a

weekly volunteer in the Nursery and Sunday School.

She ‘retired’ last June and we would like to thank her for her 25+ years of dedication to the children

of this church and community in the Judea Nursery School, Sunday School and Sunday Nursery.

On Friday, May 5 at 2 pm, we will celebrate the life of Estelle Bronson in our

Meeting House. The Rev. Richard Sears will conduct the service in Pastor Cheryl’s

absence. A reception will follow in the church hall.

Estelle has been for many years the matriarch of this church and a role model for anyone

who loves and gives and serves (and is loved very much in return). To quote from her

obituary, “To continue Estelle's legacy here on earth, the family encourages you to do

something extra for your community, be it a meal for a family in need, a note or words of

encouragement to someone or by volunteering at a school, library, church or non-profit.”

You may view a full obituary at Legacy.com and search on her Estelle Swan Bronson.

Saturday, May 6 at 10:30 am - A memorial service to celebrate the life of Susan

Emerling. The Rev. Melinda Miko Keck of the Kent UCC church will conduct the service.

She was an Associate Pastor here, when Dick Sears was Pastor, and beloved by most of the

congregation. You may view a full obituary at Legacy.com and search on Susan Emerling.

On May 13 at 1:30 pm, you are invited to a committal service, graveside, for Carol

Cook, who was a member of this church from 1954 through 1986. She held various

positions within the church throughout the years. Her family will hold a graveside service

for her on Sat, May 13 at 1:30 pm in the Washington cemetery. Anyone who knew her is

welcome to attend. You are also invited to a gathering in the Parish House afterward.

A full obituary can be viewed at http://www.stronghancock.com (put "Cook" in the search box

in the blue bar).

On Saturday, May 20 @ 2 pm, we will celebrate the life of Georgianna Middlebrook.

Georgia was a long-time active and beloved member of this congregation as well as the

community at large. Besides participating in the Green Fair Plant Booth and other aspects

of the fair every year, she was Head Deacon among other roles in the church over the

years. Georgia was a member and board member in many organizations in Washington

and beyond.

A full obituary can be viewed at Legacy.com and search on Georgianna Middlbrook.

Page 7 To access an online calendar, visit Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May 2017

MAY Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

10 AM - Gunnery

in the

Meeting House

2

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB Divorce

Support

3

4:00 PM -

Gentle yoga with

Andrea Maharge

4

5

10:00 AM– AA

2:00 PM -

Memorial Service

for

Estelle Bronson

6:00 PM—NB

Pot Luck Dinner

6

10:30 AM -

Memorial Service

for

Susan Emerling

7

8:30 AM - Chancel

Choir

10:00 AM-

Worship Service

with Communion

and Sunday School

11 AM - Comfort Shawl

4:00 PM - SingOut!

rehearsal

8

10 AM - Gunnery

in the

Meeting House

5:00 PM -

Girl Scouts in PH

9

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB

Divorce Support

10

4:00 PM -

Gentle yoga with

Andrea Maharge

6:00 PM - SingOut!

Rehearsal in the

MH

11

12

10:00 AM– AA

6:00 PM—NB

Pot Luck Dinner

13

1:30 PM -

Graveside

Committal Service

for Carol Cook

(see invitation on

page 6)

14

10:00 AM-

Worship Service

Honoring Shirley

and Sunday School

11:00 - Teen Talk

MOTHERS DAY

4:00 PM - SingOut!

rehearsal

15

16

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 PM -Rotary

6:30 PM– NB

Divorce Support

17

4:00 PM -

Gentle yoga with

Andrea Maharge

6:00 PM - SingOut!

Rehearsal in the

MH

18

Noon - LSA Clergy

Lunch and

Committee on

Ministry

6:30 PM - Council

Meeting

Judea Journal

Content

DEADLINE

19

10:00 AM– AA

6:00 PM– NB

Pot Luck Dinner

7:00 PM -

Gunnery Spring

Concert

20

2 pm - Memorial

Service

celebrating the

life of Georgianna

Middlebrook

5:00 PM -

Library Luminaries

21

10:00 AM-

Worship Service

and Sunday School

11 AM - Staff Meeting

1 PM - Comfort Shawl

5—7 PM -

Youth Group

6:00 PM - SingOut!

Free Concert

22

10 AM - Gunnery

in the

Meeting House

23

9:30 AM - AA

6:30 PM– NB

Divorce Support

7 PM - Gunn

Baccalaureat

24

4:00 PM -

Gentle yoga with

Andrea Maharge

25

26

10:00 AM– AA

6:00 PM– NB

Pot Luck Dinner

27

28

10:00 AM-

Worship Service

and Sunday School

29

MEMORIAL DAY

30

9:30 AM - AA

12:15 PM -Rotary

6:30 PM– NB

Divorce Support

31

4:00 PM -

Gentle yoga with

Andrea Maharge

“Out beyond ideas of wrong doing “Out beyond ideas of wrong doing “Out beyond ideas of wrong doing “Out beyond ideas of wrong doing

and right doing, there is a field. I and right doing, there is a field. I and right doing, there is a field. I and right doing, there is a field. I

will meet you there.”will meet you there.”will meet you there.”will meet you there.”

- Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Sufi poet and mystic

Worship Support Ministry

Page 8 The Judea Journal

♦ The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread.

If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason, please make arrangements for a

replacement and then notify Karen in the church office.

DEACONS OF THE MONTH: ELLEN WILLERT AND WAYNE HILEMAN (MAY)

JOHN MINNIS AND DAN LOVALLO (JUNE)

DATE USHERS &

GREETERS

WORSHIP

ASSISTANT

WELCOME

ANNOUNC’M’T

S

CHILD

CARE

SUNDAY

SCHOOL

COFFEE

HOUR

MAY 7 COMMUNION

Judie Gorra*,

Madeline Gorra,

Abigail Gorra,

Al Trowbridge

Pat Sears Ellen Willert TBD Carrie Loyd Grinnells and

Vengroves

MAY 14 Sarah Jenkins and

Linda Frank

Wayne

Hileman

Wayne

Hileman TBD Carrie Loyd OPEN

MAY 21 Pat Sears and

Peter Armstrong John Lintner Dan Lovallo TBD Carrie Loyd

Jim and

Karen

Esslinger

MAY 28 Susan Jahnke and

Conrad Weeks John Turner Judie Gorra TBD Carrie Loyd

Armstrong-

Small

JUNE 4 COMMUNION /

YOUTH SUNDAY

Youth TBD Andrew

Grinnell Dan Lovallo TBD Carrie Loyd OPEN

JUNE 11 Jack and Jane

Boyer Helen Hughes Judie Gorra TBD Carrie Loyd OPEN

JUNE 18 OUTDOOR

SERVICE

Karen and Jim

Esslinger Ben Grinnell Dan Lovallo TBD Carrie Loyd

Deacons

(Strawberry

Shortcake)

JUNE 25 ANNUAL MEETING

Madeline and

Abigail Gorra

Wayne

Hileman

Wayne

Hileman TBD Carrie Loyd OPEN

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED for dates marked “OPEN”.

Hosts are responsible for setting up the large table in Wersebe Hall as well as the coffee

table, putting out snacks (whatever you want – can be as simple as chips and dip,

crackers and cheese, or popcorn). Then hosts responsible for cleanup afterwards. (This

can also mean that hosts recruit help from others in that effort!) Please sign up on the

list(s) on the bulletin board in Wersebe Hall (near the kitchen) or email or call the office

(860) 868-0569. admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org

Coffee Hour Guidelines are available!

PEW MEMORIALS $250

Name of Donor: ______________________________

Address: ____________________________________

_________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________

Email: ______________________________________

Payment type: check # _______ cash paid ______

CC# ____________________________ exp ___/____

Lines of text (up to 3, 25 char/spaces per line):

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

A permanent plaque will be mounted on a pew

with your personalized dedication.

Complete and return this form to the church at

PO Box 1285, Washington, CT 06793.

Page 9 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May 2017

Flowers

May 7 Given by the Hoadley children in honor of the 11 grandchildren and 17

great grandchildren of Nelson and Peggy Hoadley

May 14 In loving memory of her sisters, Elizabeth H. Graham and Estelle H. Flack, given by

Debbie Swigart

May 21 In honor of the Gunnery Graduating Class of 2017 given by the Gunnery

May 28 Given by Toppy in loving memory of her husband, Walter (Jed) Pickett, Jr.

Steeple Lighting

May 7 In loving memory of Sue Werkhoven, given by her family

May 14 OPEN

May 21 OPEN

May 28 Given by The Reichs in loving memory of Stephen C. Reich

In Memory of...

Flowers are $68 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week.

Consider honoring a loved one or special occasion by sponsoring flowers or steeple lighting! If you have

a particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or steeple lighting at any time during the year to

honor or remember someone or something, dates are listed below but please contact Karen in the

church office to verify date availability. Call (860) 868-0569 or email to:

admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org

i. Special Christmas Memorials will be made in the Fall for December 3 through Epiphany, 1/7/18.

Available Sundays/Weeks:

Flowers in 2017: Steeple Lighting: Flowers in 2016: Steeple Lighting:

June ……... .............................. 6/18 November 11/5, 11/12 …………...none

July 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/30 .......... 7/2, 7/16, 7/30 December none i ………...12/10

September 9/17 .................................. 9/17, 9/24 Jan 2017- 1/14, 1/21 and 1/28…1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28

October 10/8 ................................. …..10/16

Page 10 The Judea Journal

Environmental Stewardship (continued from page 1)

care of the Earth. Last year, her organization, Interfaith Power and Light, supplied WEC with a copy of

the movie "Before the Flood" that was shown to a full house at the Gunn Library in March. Please visit

their website to sign up and download material to help confront Climate Change issues

(http://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/).

On June 24th, from 11 to 3, the Environmental Council will be hosting its first "Future Now Expo" in the

Depot (https://futurenowexpo.org/). There will be workshops, speakers, movies, a children's art parade in

conjunction with WAA, and local vendors and food. We will be kicking off the Reuse Campaign and will be

asking local businesses, schools, churches and residents to pledge to use more reusable bags, cups, bottles,

etc. and less one time use plastic and I hope that our church will also consider ways to do this.

The following is a vow of composed by Joanna Macy:

I vow to myself and to each of you:

--to commit myself daily to the healing of our world and the welfare of all being;

--to live on earth more lightly and less violently in the food, products and energy I consume;

--to draw strength and guidance from the living Earth, the ancestors, the future generations, and my

brothers and sisters of all species;

--to support each other in our work for the world and to ask for help when I need it;

--to pursue a daily practice that clarifies my mind, strengthens my heart and supports me in

observing these vows.

We are so fortunate to live in this beautiful place with access to clean water, healthy food and clean air.

Let's work together for the welfare of all being. ………. Terri Tibbatts

Practice Random Acts of

Environmental Kindness:

• Grocery Shopping - Bring your own bags to the

store. And when you are loading your groceries

into the car, you may find someone else who would

appreciate your help loading their groceries, too!

• Transportation - Donate or shop at “Re-use

Stores” like Habitat for Humanity Restore,

Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other thrift shops.

• Enjoy Nature - Take a walk and enjoy the beauty

around you. Pick up any litter you see and dispose

of it in a trash bag upon your return. By taking time

to appreciate the Earth and all it has to offer, the

more we value these priceless treasures. Every

little act of kindness you do to preserve our

environment allows others to enjoy it as well!

• Linens - Take old blankets and towels to a local

animal shelter. The animals will appreciate

something new to lie on and you will help the Earth

with less items in the landfill!

• Find out more you can do at “Future Now” on

June 24th, from 11 to 3 in Washington Depot.

Page 11 Www.FirstChurchWashingtonCT.org May 2017

Co-chairs are Louise van Tartwijk & Michael Gorra

Preparations are under way and WE NEED YOUR HELP!

At this stage of the game we are looking for 2 things:

1) Time commitments and 2) STUFF!

What kind of time commitment? Well, anything you can give. Saying you are too busy is not

acceptable. Fun is essential. We all are busy but we must find the time for fun and to make the

2016 edition another great fair. See Karen in the church office for a list of duties. This list is also

available on our website.

What kind of stuff? Again, anything you can part with, for the most part. Garden items -

furniture, nice garden decorations, planters, garden tools in good condition, are always popular.

We need items for:

� NICE: White Elephant (Tag Sale)

� NICER: Boutique

� REALLY NICE: Silent and Live Auctions (These things are important to donate

early so we have time to promote them. Contact us soon if you have something great to

donate.)

It is easiest to list what we won’t take:

� We won’t take anything broken.

� We will take furniture but we won’t take any mattresses nor any upholstered furniture.

� We also don’t like electronics because they tend to be outdated and no one wants to buy

obsolete electronics. Exceptions might be something that has historic value as an

antique. And I don’t mean an 8 track player!

Recycle / UPcycle

Spring cleaning time! Don’t just throw away those items that are quite nice but don’t fit

anymore… items that might enjoy a new home and a new life with someone else who will love

and treasure them as you once did. Avoid adding to landfill - donate them to the Green Fair.

(Remember… we won’t take things that really should go into the trash.) We want quality stuff,

too, (“nicer” and “really nice”) items that can go in the boutique or silent or live auction. Things

that might be so appealing to someone else that they might pay a pretty penny for it! Tell

friends and family about it and let them get in on the fun!

Items you are considering donating can be brought to the church during Karen’s hours. If

the item is large and needs transportation or if you have a question whether we will accept the

item, please call the church office (860-868-0569) or send an email to:

admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org

!!!GREEN FAIR - July 15, 2017!!!

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome.

6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285 Washington, CT 06793

The First Congregational Church of Washington UCC, Connecticut

Phone: 860-868-0569 E-mail: admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org Website: www.firstchurchwashingtonct.org

POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL—PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY

Judea Journal - Should we continue to publish monthly??

Do you enjoy reading the Judea Journal monthly newsletter? Or would less frequent delivery prompt

you to read it more often? Please answer the following questions as honestly as you can and return to

the church office: First Congregational Church, PO Box 1285, Washington, CT 06793.

Name (optional) ________________________________________ Phone/email: ________________________

1. I receive the Journal: � Electronically � Print

2. I prefer to receive the Journal: � Electronically � Print

3. I read the Journal cover to cover each month. Please keep it coming! � Yes � No

4. I would be happy to receive the Judea Journal every 2 months. � Yes � No

5. I read only a few items that are of interest. � Yes � No

6. Please order the following regular or semi-regular features of the monthly Journal according to

your preference with 1 being the most important to you and 13 being the least important.

_____ Pastor’s Letter _____ Missions News _____ Christian Ed News _____ Member News

_____ Sunday Morning Support Schedule _____ Inspirational Articles _____ Memorials

_____ Birthdays _____ Council News _____ Denominational Info _____ Kids’ Page

_____ Monthly Calendar _____ Special Events

7. Is there something else you’d like to see in the Journal? Include comments on a separate page.